President Zelensky has dismissed Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrsky and appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi, formerly commander of combined forces, as his replacement. Zelensky also announced that recently dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov will take a senior role in defense technology, according to reports.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed the dismissal of Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrsky and named his replacements, in a major shakeup of Ukraine's military leadership during an ongoing war with Russia.
As The Zioneer reported at 22:48, unofficial reports earlier indicated that Syrsky had been fired. The president has now confirmed the move, appointing Mykhailo Drapatyi, previously commander of the combined forces, as the new army chief. Zelensky also announced that former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was dismissed earlier this week under pressure from Syrsky, will take a senior role in defense technology.
The moves come against a backdrop of a deepening leadership crisis in Ukraine's defense establishment. Fedorov's dismissal had sparked protests and criticism from Ukrainian politicians and allies, who viewed him as a key architect of the country's drone and AI warfare capabilities. Syrsky had reportedly opposed Fedorov's tenure, leading to the crisis.
The appointments are now official, ending days of uncertainty over the military command. It remains unclear whether the new leadership will shift Ukraine's strategic direction.
3 developments
- DevelopingZelenskyy reportedly considers reappointing Fedorov as defense minister day after dismissal
- DevelopingThe Zioneer analysis: Zelenskyy's dismissal of Fedorov may be a strategic misstep
- StrongZelensky confirms dismissal of army chief Syrsky, appointment of Drapatyi in official Telegram post
- StrongCriticism mounts in Ukraine against army chief Syrsky over opposition to Fedorov's tenure — reports
Source and signal
- Internal intake